Building resilient communities

Resilient communities are better able to withstand and recover from the impact of disasters and crises.

What we do

New Zealand Red Cross works with communities to identify where they’re vulnerable to shocks or potential disasters. We support these communities to build on their existing capabilities, so people become stronger and better able to cope with disasters. We help communities reduce disaster risk in the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

Activities in Timor-Leste

In Timor-Leste, we provide financial and technical support to a community based disaster risk reduction programme. The programme empowers communities through awareness raising, early warning systems for disasters and flood protection activities. We help communities diversify livelihoods and improve water supplies and sanitation, as well as develop first aid skills and community health.

Helping our Pacific neighbours be more resilient

New Zealand Red Cross partners with Red Cross societies in the Pacific, to support vulnerable communities across 12 countries. Together, we’re developing early warning systems for disasters and strengthening emergency communication systems. We are also contributing to a regional plan for improving disaster recovery and adapting to climate change.

Commencing in 2016 we are contributing to a Building Resilient Communities programme in Fiji, Tuvalu and Kiribati. These countries are at increased risk of disasters like cyclones, flooding and drought. They are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

After Tropical Cyclone Pam, Red Cross planted vegetation on the foreshores in Tuvalu, to help reduce flooding from high tides.

Donate to where the need is greatest

Your support is a sign of hope. You'll help to meet immediate and longer term needs, whether it’s by providing relief to communities affected by disaster, sending aid workers overseas to assist those made vulnerable by conflict, or helping refugee families resettle in New Zealand.

New Zealand Red Cross Incorporated is a registered charity with the New Zealand Charities Commission (CC21860), making you eligible for a tax refund of up to a third of your donation. All transactions are billed in New Zealand dollars.